Cox Health Plans charges $557 monthly, making it Missouri's most affordable health insurance option. You'll pay higher premiums with other insurers but get specialized benefits. Oscar works well if you need diabetes management programs at $576 monthly. Aetna covers maternity care for $601 monthly, while BCBS offers solid coverage for people with high BP and cholesterol at $742. Plan for yearly out-of-pocket costs between $7,850 and $8,860, depending on which insurer you pick.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Missouri: Affordable Plans for 2025
Updated: October 23, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Cox HealthPlans provides Missouri's most affordable health insurance, saving policyholders an average of $557 per month compared to the state average.
Ambetter, BCBS and Oscar offer good affordable alternatives when Cox HealthPlans isn't available.
Finding the cheapest health insurance starts with selecting a coverage level within your budget, checking your subsidy eligibility and comparing plans from several companies.
Cheapest Health Insurance Companies in Missouri
Cheapest health insurance provider | Cox Health Plans | $557 | $7,850 | 100 |
Pregnant women | Ambetter | $633 | $7,890 | 95 |
People needing diabetes care | Oscar | $576 | $8,860 | 96 |
People with high BP and cholesterol | BCBS | $742 | $8,458 | 90 |
*These plans reflect rates for 40-year-olds on a Silver EPO plan who aren't considered low-income.
Cheapest Health Insurance Provider Missouri: Cox HealthPlans
Cox HealthPlans
MoneyGeek Score:
100/ 100
Overview
Cox HealthPlans delivers Missouri's cheapest health insurance at $557 monthly for 40-year-olds seeking Silver EPO coverage.
Perfect scores across all categories mean you'll face fewer claim denials, lower out-of-pocket maximums and better plan flexibility than competitors. Virtual visits let you see nurse practitioners through secure video for common conditions like allergies, flu symptoms and minor injuries, saving you trips to urgent care clinics.
If you choose a PPO plan, you get nationwide coverage through First Health Network when traveling. EPO plans cost less but won't cover out-of-network care unless it's an emergency. The EPO network covers 26 counties around Springfield, so check if your county's included before enrolling, since Cox HealthPlans doesn't serve all of Missouri.
Cheapest for Pregnant women in Missouri: Ambetter
Ambetter
MoneyGeek Score:
95/ 100
Overview
Pregnancy care gets expensive, but Ambetter from Home State Health delivers affordable health insurance for people expecting a baby in Missouri. At $633 monthly, you're getting comprehensive maternity coverage without breaking your budget.
The $7,890 out-of-pocket max protects you from massive bills if complications happen during delivery. You'll earn up to $500 yearly through My Health Pays just for completing prenatal visits and wellness checkups. Apply those rewards toward your premiums or copays.
Start Smart for Your Baby gives you a dedicated care manager throughout pregnancy who answers questions and coordinates your care. Ambetter covers 109 Missouri counties and includes all essential maternity benefits like prenatal care, delivery and postpartum visits. The EPO network keeps costs down by requiring in-network providers, so check that your OB-GYN participates before enrolling.
Cheapest for People Needing Diabetes Care in Missouri: Oscar
Oscar
MoneyGeek Score:
96/ 100
Overview
Oscar ranks number 1 in Missouri for affordable diabetes coverage, saving you $916 yearly compared to other Silver plans. At $576 monthly, you get specialized diabetes care, including free Accu-Chek testing supplies and a glucometer through the WellDia program.
The plan caps insulin at $100 monthly and gives you $0 copays for endocrinologist visits with no deductible to meet first, and your total out-of-pocket spending maxes at $8,860, protecting you from surprise bills. Virtual urgent care is free 24/7, saving you money on minor issues that don't need an ER. Oscar's 12% denial rate beats most competitors, meaning fewer claim headaches when you need care.
Cheapest for People With High BP and Cholesterol: BCBS
Blue Cross Blue Shield
MoneyGeek Score:
90/ 100
Overview
Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem) charges $742 monthly for 40-year-olds seeking coverage for high BP and cholesterol. The 5 out of 5 denial score means smoother claims approvals than many competitors, while the perfect MOOP score protects you from high out-of-pocket costs. You get 24/7 access to board-certified doctors through LiveHealth Online for non-emergency issues like colds, flu, rashes and allergies, saving trips to urgent care.
If you struggle with high BP and cholestrol, the included disease management program connects you with specialized support. At $742 monthly, you're paying more than Cox HealthPlans but getting stronger claim approval rates and nationwide Blue Cross Blue Shield network recognition.
Cheapest Health Insurance by Metal Level in Missouri
We analyzed health insurance plans available on Missouri's federal marketplace for a 40-year-old. The cheapest companies across metal levels are:
- Bronze: Medica at $441 per month
- Silver: Cox HealthPlans at $557 per month
- Gold: Ambetter at $685 per month
These plans offer low monthly premiums but come with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. If you'll need frequent doctor visits or prescriptions, a higher metal tier saves you money despite the higher upfront cost. Silver plans also qualify for cost-sharing reductions if your income's under $39,125 (250% of the federal poverty level), lowering your deductible and copays.
Catastrophic | Oscar | $403 | $4,836 | $9,450 |
Bronze | Medica | $441 | $5,286 | $9,450 |
Expanded Bronze | Aetna | $521 | $6,255 | $9,425 |
Silver | Cox HealthPlans | $557 | $6,680 | $7,850 |
Gold | Ambetter | $685 | $8,223 | $7,680 |
Cheapest Health Insurance Plans by City in Missouri
Your location makes a big difference in Missouri. St. Louis residents pay about $578 monthly with Aetna for adult coverage, but Kansas City residents face $742 monthly through Blue Cross Blue Shield for similar plans. That's nearly $2,000 more per year, depending on where you live. Compare specific rates for your city in the table below.
Data filtered by:
Kansas City
Adults
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $742 | $8,902 |
How Much Health Insurance Do I Need?
Choosing coverage feels overwhelming when you're staring at four metal tiers and wildly different price tags. The right amount of coverage in Missouri depends on your health situation and whether you can handle a $5,000 bill without draining your savings.
Your health history tells you what to buy
Healthy 30-year-olds who visit the doctor once yearly can get by with Bronze plans and their lower monthly premiums. But if you manage diabetes, take blood pressure medication or see specialists regularly, those Bronze savings disappear fast. Three specialist visits at $150 each plus monthly prescriptions at $80 already cost more than upgrading to Silver. Running the numbers on your actual spending matters more than guessing.
Run the math on your regular expenses
Add up what you actually spend on health care, prescriptions, doctor visits, specialists, everything. If you spent under $1,000 last year and rarely see doctors, Bronze plans can work since you're mainly protecting against catastrophic events. A Silver plan with $50 prescription copays and $40 office visits cuts your annual spending substantially compared to paying full price under a Bronze plan with a deductible.
Pick coverage that matches your financial reality
Can you pay a $6,500 deductible tomorrow if you break your leg? If not, don't buy Bronze. Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions drop deductibles to $1,500 to $3,000 for people earning under $39,125, making them genuinely affordable when you need care. Cost-sharing reductions lower the average deductible from $4,902 to just $87 for people earning under 150% of poverty, and to $682 for those between 150% and 200% of poverty.
Account for your family's total needs
Parents with three kids need coverage that is different from that of single adults. Your 8-year-old's broken arm, your spouse's physical therapy and your own routine care add up fast. Family Bronze plans carry deductibles of $12,000 to $16,000, while Silver family deductibles stay around $6,000 to $8,000, worth the premium difference when everyone needs care.
How to Get Cheap Health Insurance in Missouri
Getting affordable health insurance in Missouri doesn't have to drain your wallet. Here's how to secure coverage that fits your budget
- 1Figure out what you can afford
Look at your monthly budget and decide how much you can spend on premiums. Balance this against your health needs - if you visit doctors frequently or take regular medications, you'll want lower deductibles even if premiums cost more.
- 2Calculate your subsidy eligibility first
People earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for premium tax credits that reduce costs by 40% to 100%. If you earn under 250% of the federal poverty level, you'll also get cost-sharing reductions that lower your deductibles and copays by up to 73%. Use the subsidy calculator at HealthCare.gov to see your exact savings before comparing plans.
- 3Consider federal programs if eligible
If you're 65 or older, explore Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. These programs often cost less than traditional health insurance and offer flexible coverage.
- 4Compare prescription drug coverage
Review each plan's formulary for medications you take regularly. Some insurers place common drugs on lower tiers with reduced copays, potentially saving you hundreds annually on prescriptions.
- 5Shop during Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15. Special Enrollment opens if you lose job coverage, get married, have a baby or move. Compare different plan types, customer reviews, pricing and network access to find your best match.
MONEYGEEK TIP: COULD YOU QUALIFY FOR FREE COVERAGE?
Missouri expanded Medicaid in 2021, so adults between 19 and 64 years of age with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level qualify for free MO HealthNet coverage. Children and pregnant women qualify at higher income levels. Check your eligibility at mydss.mo.gov or call 1-855-373-4636 before shopping marketplace plans.
Bottom Line
Missouri's most affordable health insurance companies are Cox HealthPlans, Medica, Oscar, Aetna and Anthem (BCBS). While we recommend these affordable options, you should compare as many plan types and tier quotes as possible from multiple companies to get the best health insurance deal.
Cheap Missouri Health Insurance: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about finding affordable health insurance in Missouri:
What is the average cost of health insurance in Missouri?
On average, Missouri residents aged 31-45 pay $597 monthly for Silver-tier health insurance. Premium amounts vary based on your specific age, county, household income and eligibility for premium tax credits through the marketplace.
What is the cheapest health insurance in Missouri?
Cox HealthPlans offers the cheapest health insurance in Missouri, with Silver plans starting at $557 for 40-year-olds. Your ideal option may vary, so consider exploring Oscar, Aetna and Anthem (BCBS) based on your income and coverage preferences.
What are the downsides of a cheap health insurance plan?
Compared to higher-priced plans, cheap health insurance has higher out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles and copays. More expensive plans reduce out-of-pocket expenses and offer more extensive health care coverage.
How We Decided the Cheapest Health Insurance Companies in Missouri
Missouri shoppers need to balance low premiums against actual coverage value. We designed our research to identify which insurers offer the lowest rates without sacrificing the coverage Missourians need for financial protection.
Our Ranking Criteria
We compared health insurance companies available in Missouri by evaluating four factors that determine your total health care costs:
Monthly premiums (50% of score): We collected rates across all metal tiers for consumers aged 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. The cheapest provider scored highest, on average. This reflects that monthly costs matter most when you're shopping for affordable coverage.
Maximum out-of-pocket costs (20% of score): We compared the most you'd pay annually beyond your premiums. Lower maximums scored better. Even cheap monthly rates can become expensive if your out-of-pocket cap is too high when you need care.
Provider type (20% of score): We evaluated whether insurers offer HMO, PPO, EPO and POS plans. Providers with more plan options scored higher. More choices mean you can choose the right balance between monthly costs and provider flexibility.
Claims denial rates (10% of score): We reviewed how often each insurer denies claims. Lower denial rates scored higher. The cheapest plan isn't a good deal if your insurer won't pay when you file claims.
Sample Profile
Unless noted otherwise, all quoted premiums are for a 40-year-old buying a EPO Silver-tier plan. We analyzed Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum plans to show the full cost spectrum Missouri shoppers face. Your age affects what you'll actually pay. Younger buyers get lower rates, while older buyers pay more for the same coverage.
Why Cost Isn't Everything
The cheapest monthly premium means nothing if the plan doesn't cover your doctors or has a $9,000 deductible you can't afford. We weighted affordability at 50% but considered out-of-pocket maximums, provider flexibility and claims payment reliability to identify affordable options that provide absolute financial protection.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. "2025 Poverty Guidelines." Accessed October 23, 2025.
- Healthcare.gov. "See Plans and Pricing." Accessed October 23, 2025.
- KFF.org. "Explaining Cost-Sharing Reductions and Silver Loading in ACA Marketplaces." Accessed October 23, 2025.